320 chapter 36
POOR NUTRITION IN DISABLED CHILDREN
Poor nutrition or ‘malnutrition’ usually results from
not getting enough to eat and is one of the most
common causes of health problems. With its signs of
weakness, thinness, failure to grow, and reduced ability
to fight off illness, poor nutrition might be considered
a ‘disability’ itself. It affects at least 1 out of every 6
of the world’s children, mainly those who live in poor
countries.
In this book, we do not discuss the problems of
malnutrition in detail, because they are covered in most
primary care handbooks (see Where There Is No Doctor,
Chapter 11). However, a special warning is called for.
WARNING: Disabled children are often in greater
danger of malnutrition than are other children.
The child who is
physically and mentally
slow is more likely to
be neglected and not
fed enough.
A
VICIOUS
CYCLE
Not eating enough slows
down both physical and
mental development.
Sometimes this is because the child has difficulty
sucking, swallowing, or holding food. Sometimes it
is because the family gives more food to the children
who are stronger and more able to help with daily work.
Sometimes, however, it is because parents, although
they treat their disabled child with extra love and care,
keep bottle feeding him (with milk, rice water, or
sugared drinks) until he is 3 or 4 years old or older. They
keep treating—and feeding—their child like a baby,
even though he is growing bigger and needs the same
variety and quantity of foods that other children need.
To give a child only—or mainly—milk and sweet
drinks after 6 months of age may keep the child fat. But
he will slowly become malnourished. Milk and sweet
drinks lack iron, so that the child may become more
and more pale, or anemic (weak blood).
Normal: Lips, tongue and finger- Anemic: Lips, tongue and finger-
nails have a reddish, healthy color. nails, pale. Lack of energy. Tires
quickly.
REMEMBER: A disabled child needs the same
foods that other children of the same age need.
This 4-year-old with spina bifida has
no difficulty eating any foods. Yet
his family still treats him like a baby
—complete with a baby bottle filled
with a sweet drink—just because he
is ‘disabled’.
CAUTION: It is important
that disabled children get
enough to eat. It is also
important that they do not
eat too much and get
fat. Extra weight makes it
more difficult for a weak
child to move about. If
the child is getting
fat, give him
less fatty foods
and sweets.
DO NOT LET
A DISABLED
CHILD
GET
FAT!
Disabled village Children